not expect the President's Budget for FY '77 to propose a funding level of $10,000,000. When that happened, we did not expect any Congressional body to take that seriously. To reiterate, we believe that 93-415 represents Congressional effort to make the future different from the past for this country's juveniles. After a year of dealing with an administrative iron curtain, we have come finally to a point where we might receive 93-415 funds to implement its intent only to face the real possibility that monies may be diminished substantially. If the act if funded below $18,000,000, the bottom line formula will be cut. If that is the case, the process created to provide a rational base for our ultimate decision regarding Juvenile placement will be aborted and children will be returned to institutions. We believe in the intent of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. We also believe it can be implemented. Now that such implementation is within the realm of the possible and over a year has been dedicated to reaching that point, withdrawing funds would represent the cruelest of all possible blows. If that withdrawal were to occur, the major effect of 93-415 would be to have trained a vast number of people to deal with LEAA's interpretation of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act; people who much prefer and are now ready to deal instead with juvenile justice. If Congress truly intends to make the future different from the past, it must demonstrate that intention by continued funding at a meaningful level of PL 93-415. LETTER FROM SENATOR WEICKER United States Senate COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS May 28, 1976 Dear Mr. Chairman: It is important that the United States initiate efforts now to obtain the undersea technology to support research related to better management of our fisheries resources, especially in the New England area. NOAA has learned from using the most advanced underwater laboratory in the world, the "Helgoland" operated by West Germany, that marine research in cold, turbid water is critical to undersea safety. The Oceanlab as proposed by NOAA would be the focal point for programs to utilize diver-scientists to study and assess the fish stocks of the Continental Shelf. The waters adjacent to New England, some of the most prolific in terms of living resources in the world, have been seriously overfished in the past few years by foreign fisheries. With the adoption of the 200-mile jurisdiction zone, the United States must be prepared to assure that the remaining fish stocks are allowed to increase to levels that will sustain a maximum U.S. fishery production. The Oceanlab and related programs can be seen as important tools in these studies. These studies would include population dynamics, life history studies, habitat assessment and aqua culture in the open ocean. Further, if energy development advances in our offshore areas as in the North Sea, we must achieve undersea technical capabilities to update research in man's ability to work in these environments. I fully support Congressman Alexander's request in the House Appropriations Committee to fund the Oceanlab program. I understand, however, that economic and budget considerations have led to the House action limiting the first appropriation to $1.5 million. This will not be enough to start the Oceanlab on its proper course. I urge, therefore, that the full $5 million be considered by the Appropriations Committee to assure that a most important national oceans project be started. I very much appreciate your consideration of this important issue. With kind regards. Sincerely, Lowell Weicker, United States Senator We are writing in support of the Legal Services Corporation's request for an appropriation of $140.3 million for fiscal year 1977. This is also the amount that the Labor and Public Welfare Committee included in its recommendations and estimates to the Budget Committee for the Corporation's fiscal year 1977 appropriation level. Although this is a substantial increase over this year's level, we believe it is necessary if we are to move toward realization of the Congressional mandate to "provide equal access to the system of justice in our Nation". Thus, we urge this substantial increase in appropriations for two reasons: - First, legal services programs throughout the country are now operating on a budget that, until fiscal year 1976, had not been increased for four years despite the ravages of inflation and the increased number of potential clients resulting from high unemployment levels. Because of these factors, legal assistance to the poor is nominal in many areas, despite the efforts of dedicated attorneys. It is clear that the capabilities of these programs must be strengthened. Second, the Legal Services Corporation estimates that twelve Mr. Chairman, the need for high quality and accessible legal services programs cannot be over-stated. Our system of justice rests upon a fundamental notion that all Americans must have equal access to our judicial system. In order for that access to be meaningful, in the context of an adversarial system, the adversaries must have roughly equal representation. Moreover, the potential consequences of failure in civil litigation are often grave, and may have a profound impact upon the lives of those involved. Examples include child custody cases, civil commitment, contested divorces, and loss or impairment of housing, public assistance, or employment. Each of these problems are sufficiently serious to require representation by counsel. Our system of justice demands no less. The Legal Services Corporation Act envisioned no less. Mr. Chairman, we also wish to note that while the Legal Services Corporation Act allows the Executive Branch to comment upon the Corporation's request, any comments or recommendations that may be submitted should not be viewed as the Corporation's official request. Although the President's budget for fiscal year 1977 contains an appropriation level of $80 million for the Corporation (a reduction of $8 million from the FY 76 level), and makes no reference to the Corporation's request for $140.3 million, in our view the official budget request now pending before the Congress is $140.3 million-- the figure we strongly support. In closing, we wish to thank you and the members of the Subcommittee for your strong support of the legal services program. LETTERS FROM CONGRESSMAN WRIGHT Congress of the United States Washington, D.C. 20515 Honorable John 0. Pastore U. S. Senate Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Chairman: I know that you are as disappointed as I am that the Commerce Department has ignored the explicit directive contained in the Senate Report on the Supplemental Appropriations Act. As you will recall, the Department was requested to submit an immediate amendment seeking funds to begin setting up the new Title V Regional Commissions. Since the Department apparently has made no move at all to respond to this request, I have written the enclosed letter to the Secretary of Commerce. If you have any suggestions as to how I might be helpful to you in this initiative, I hope you will let me know. Best wishes. Sincerely, Jim Wright |